Florida Politician Censured Over Remarks Calling for Mass Deportation of Indians

Palm Bay City Councilman Chandler Langevin is facing widespread condemnation and formal censure following a series of inflammatory social media posts targeting Indian Americans. Langevin's remarks, posted on X, called for the deportation of all Indians and a halt to migration from India, sparking outrage from fellow Republicans, state legislators, and community members.

Langevin's posts, beginning in mid-September, included accusations that Indians exploit the United States financially and that "there's not a single Indian that cares about the United States". He also stated, "Indians don't assimilate. They're here to drain our pockets and get back to India rich… or worse… to stay". In another post, Langevin wrote, "Deport every Indian immediately," and claimed that "Indian migration has to cease immediately". He further asserted that "INDIA is having its people INVADE OUR COUNTRY, and is actively PAYING PEOPLE to try to SHUT THE PUBLIC UP".

The backlash to Langevin's comments was swift and bipartisan. Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina issued a letter stressing that "words that demean or devalue others have no place in Palm Bay" and added an agenda item for the City Council to consider recommending Langevin's removal. Councilman Kenny Johnson called for Langevin to resign or face suspension by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. State Representative Randy Fine condemned the remarks, stating, "Silence can lead to violence, and so I felt very convicted to speak up".

On October 16, 2025, the Palm Bay City Council voted 3-2 to censure Langevin. The censure includes proposals to strip Langevin of several powers, such as preventing him from adding items to the agenda, delivering council reports, and participating in Palm Bay boards and committees. The council had previously voted to request Governor DeSantis to suspend Langevin. Despite the censure and calls for his resignation, Langevin has stated he has no intention of stepping down, claiming the actions against him are "reprehensible" and represent a stifling of different viewpoints.

Anthony Sabatini, an attorney representing Langevin, argues that the council's actions violate Langevin's First Amendment rights and has threatened a lawsuit.

Several officials have formally requested that Governor DeSantis intervene, as under Florida law, the governor has the authority to suspend local elected officials for malfeasance, misfeasance, or neglect of duty. As of now, it remains uncertain whether DeSantis will take action.

Langevin's remarks have drawn condemnation from various organizations, including the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), which represents nearly 20,000 members nationwide. The AAHOA stated that Langevin's comments "echo some of history's darkest rhetoric, drawing disturbing parallels to the language of hate that has led to violence and persecution around America".

The controversy comes amidst existing tensions surrounding immigration policies in Florida.